AddSystem

Mac users should look out for another deceptive application that might be trying to sneak itself onto their devices without being noticed. Named AddSystem, this PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) is capable of acting as both adware and a browser hijacker. In the vast majority of cases, PUPs are spread via questionable distribution tactics, such as bundling or fake installers. That is when users are installing applications from unproven sources they should always check all of the installation menus. Most intruder apps are hidden as a preselected choice under the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings.

If AddSystem is deployed onto the Mac successfully, it will proceed to monetize its presence in several different ways. First, the application will run an intrusive advertising campaign on the device. Users will be subjected to an influx of unwanted and suspicious advertisements that could begin to impact the browsing experience on the Mac significantly. The delivered advertisements should be approached with caution, as they could redirect to shady third-party websites. Users could find themselves landing on hoax or phishing pages, domains promoting more PUPs, shady online betting platforms and more.

Simultaneously, AddSystem will take control over the Web browsers installed on the system. More specifically, the PUP will target the homepage, new tab page, and the remote search engine, and set all three settings to open a promoted page. Typically, browser hijackers such as this one are tasked with generating artificial traffic towards a fake search engine. Fake engines do not have the required functionality to deliver any search results. Instead, they may take the user's search queries and redirect them through a legitimate engine (Yahoo, Bing, or Google) or cause redirect chains that go through several dubious engines. In the second option, users may be presented with low-quality results filled with sponsored advertisements.

PUPs also are known for having data-collection capabilities. These intrusive applications may be tracking the user's browsing activities and transmitting information to their operators continuously. The harvested data could include the browsing history, search history and all clicked URLs. Various device details also may be added, such as the IP address, ISP, geolocation, browser type and more.

Users are strongly encouraged to remove PUP such as AddSystem from their Macs as soon as possible. To ensure the annoying application has been deleted completely, it may be necessary to use a reputable security solution.